Tara and Jay, Fredericksburg VA Engagement Photographer

Tara and Jay's Engagement Session

University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg Virginia

My time with Tara and Jay was nothing short of AWESOME!  I cannot wait to share these images and the stories behind them.  Stolen bikes (well not really), eating bugs and illegal parking, oh my!

One of my concerns at our session was parking.  It’s always nice to put your best foot forward when meeting a new client.  If the first thing they saw was my attempt at parallel parking, I knew I was in big trouble.  My driving instructor actually let me skip this part on my DMV test.  He was really sweet and I will remember him for the rest of my life, because now....... I CAN’T PARALLEL PARK!!!   The good news is, that when I confessed this to Tara, she admitted she wasn’t that great at it either.   Who knows, maybe she was just trying to make me feel better. Because when we returned to the cars, mine was the only one that looked like someone was already pulling out into the road.

Most engagement sessions, I work on posing and guide the client into how to place themselves and interact with each other.  It wasn't a moment before I looked through the viewfinder to see Jay doing everything I was going to ask of him, without even asking.  I thought to myself that maybe it was a fluke and he was just cuddling up to Tara in the moment.  But it wasn't, it was just the way the two of them interacted. 



I quickly realized I had struck gold with these two.  He would pose, look at Tara and she would naturally just start laughing.  Are you serious?!  This is too easy.  I normally have to work hard to get a shot like this.  What magic tricks did Jay have up his sleeve?  What was so funny?  Oh, who cares?  I'm rolling with it.

In fact, now that I'm looking back at these, what were they laughing at?! ;)

Jay and Tara were fun and easy going.  They made me comfortable and comfortable enough to ask them to be really silly!  We continued our walk from the campus bell tower.  

That's when I spotted it... the cutest bike! I just loved it. The basket, the cheesy 70's sea foam green and the cute black and white damask covered seat. Someone put a lot of work into this bike and it was a dream bike for an engagement session.  Can I use it please??   I looked around to see if the owner was anywhere to be found.  I wanted to ask if we could borrow it for a few shots.  I looked but there was no one in sight.  That's when I turned and looked at them with mild disappointment.  "What do you think? Could we use it for one photo? Do you think they would get mad?"  Jay answered with, "Well, it's been sitting here the whole time and no one has been around it."  It's like leaving an adorable puppy tied up all alone.  You just have to give it attention.  That was my cue, "Hurry, quick!  Jump on the bike! I want to get your picture on it!"  And jump they did.  We got the photo and off we went.  To take more pictures, not to ride the bike. 

These bike pictures had great potential...but we took what we could get and it was fun.

Jay and Tara met at the University of Mary Washington. Because they knew the places that were special to them, I employed Jay to be our tour guide. It was fun getting to hear their story and learn a little more about them.

I've been to UMW many times, photographed several bridal parties and couples here.  Something about the tour with Jay and Tara was different.  Jay had an eye for architecture.  It was as if he'd envisioned being in each place with Tara.  He had pictured the images before they had even selected me to take them.  Sometimes I wonder why I'm so blessed.  Why I love my job so much and then get to share these moments with really great people.

Our next stop was a bridge. The sun was shining through the leaves and it was beautiful.

The only problem was the tiny little gnats flying around.  Hundreds of them. They were everywhere. It wasn't long before one flew right into Jay's eye.

It wasn't as bad as what happened next.  Yes, one flew right into my mouth.  I started choking and trying not to eat it.  Tara was a lifesaver.  Seriously!  If she had not had water with her, I might have had a very unpleasant dinner.  Thank you Tara! 

She wore some great boots that have had me wanting to add a pair to my fall wardrobe.

I had to have a little fun and mess with them.  Give them a little "bad photographer" moment.  I had them walking down this path, asked them to do it again and again and again....  I had gotten the shot the first time.  Then let them know I was only kidding about doing it over and over.   The photo on the right is the moment I told them that I had been pulling their leg.

The lighting was amazing for our session.  I couldn't have asked for a better day.

I was having so much fun and luck with these two that we wrapped things up on campus and headed to a few spots in downtown Fredericksburg.  Oh dear...more parking.

One of our stops was Hyperion Espresso.  It was so gorgeous out.  A lot of people were taking advantage of the beautiful day.  This all translated to no parking.  I finally found a spot that said, 'For farm vehicles only'.  Hum..what constitutes a farm vehicle and why would anyone be driving them downtown?  Well, it was my only choice.  I pulled in the space and got out to find Jay and Tara.  As soon as I shut my door I heard sirens blaring.  Oh man, are you serious?  Really?  I'm in trouble now!  Oh whew....it was only a fire engine speeding by.  I quickly made my way to the coffee shop.  We decided it was a good time for a quick drink and break.  I snapped a few shots and we made plans for our next location.

 

They were great with allowing me to try a new location.  It's a mosaic in downtown Fredericksburg by MOREart.  I didn't know exactly where it was but with a little patience and keeping my eyes opened, we found it very quickly.  Thank you Jay and Tara for being great sports and giving so much of your time in our session.

I loved the mural.  I even went back the next day, took some time to look at all the pieces and really enjoy it.  It's colorful, vibrant and was created for a good cause.  I think it adds something different to the session and I really like it.  It inspires me want to create my own work of art.  Before I had to work for a living, I painted and sketched a lot.  I miss it and would love to make a little time in my life to get back to it.

We hit up the railroad station and then the docks down by the river. 

This is where it gets good!  I know, right?  How could it possibly get any better?  It did!  I adjusted my camera settings,  look up at them and they are dancing.  The river boat pulled up just as we were finishing the shoot and was playing rap music.  It was hilarious.  Is this really my life?  Oh yeah, it's my life.  I wish everyday was the party that this photo shoot was.  But don't we all?! 

Until we meet again, Jay and Tara, thank you for a day that I will never forget.  I still sing this song in my head when I see the photos.  Come on, you know you do too!


Thank you!

P.S. Look at that moon.  The stars are aligned for you two!